Deploying a highly sophisticated baggage security system without impeding YVR operations

The Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has been ranked by Skytrax as North America’s best airport – based on design and passenger comfort – for a record 12 consecutive years, from 2010 through 2021.

Our relationship with YVR began over 25 years ago with high-quality renovation projects in the terminal. Strengthening our partnership, and as YVRAA’s trusted Baggage Handling System integration experts, we were selected as the base building Prime Consultant for the Hold Bag Screening (HBS) Recapitalization Project. The project required a complete overhaul of the airport’s baggage systems, with the goal of bringing them into compliance with Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) standards, further ensuring a world-class traveler experience.

The International Building Terminal (ITB) & The Domestic Terminal Building (DTB)  HBS Recapitalization projects were part of the CATSA initiative to convert HBS across Canada from a five-level screening process to a three-level process.

These outbound systems were upgraded in-situ while handling a peak baggage volume of 39,000 bags per day and one million outbound passengers a month. As part of this project, 11 highspeed, CT Examiner screening machines were installed, each machine weighing around 15,000 pounds. Detailed planning and open communication were instrumental in achieving this massive undertaking in coordination.

Our Transportation team leveraged Building Information Modeling (BIM) and a myriad of collaboration platforms to ensure building infrastructure was upgraded to suit the specific requirements of the heavy screening machines.

A few geographical HBS locations posed a greater challenge due to the need to work on critical services such as large hydronic pipes or high-voltage cable trays, while maintaining baggage cart operations below.

We worked with the stakeholders of each location on planning and coordination for several weeks, in some cases months, in advance of construction. Exceptional leadership on behalf of the two prime contractors – Vanderlande Industries and Ledcor – led to successful installations where construction safety, code compliance, and maintainability were always top of mind.

The complexity of this project was highlighted by the sheer size of CTX scanners. Successfully coordinating the design of new baggage handling systems within an operational facility required a uniquely qualified team.

To ensure existing operations continued without disruption or impeded access, we had to verify that no clashes between the architectural discipline, base building geometry and baggage handling system existed. Coupled with our extensive experience of YVR facilities and operations, our proficiency leveraging BIM, REVIT, point cloud scanning, clash detection technologies and leading the user engagement process was paramount.

By quickly and accurately verifying all baggage complies with U.S. and European standards, the HBS Recapitalization Project allows YVR passengers to experience enhanced time efficiency in the checked baggage process and travel with assurance that the facility employs the latest in security standards technology.

From November 2016 to January 2022, our progressive replacement of the entire HBS system occurred without ever compromising safety and without ever delaying a single scheduled flight. As a result, flying in and out of Vancouver was always ‘business as usual’ – though the baggage screening is now faster, more efficient, and the ergonomics and comfort of federal agents at the airport considerably improved.